Grand Staircase Escalante Partners
Honor the past and safeguard the future of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument through science, conservation, and education.
Work with Us
Work with Us
What we Do
Our Focus
Grand Staircase Escalante Partners is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) founded in 2004 to protect and preserve Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
We are committed to:
- Promoting science, conservation, and education on the Monument.
- Increasing public awareness and understanding of the Monument.
- Providing resources to support the Monument’s scientific, interpretive and educational programs.
- Expanding our membership so we represent a diverse constituency that supports the Monument.
For Science
This natural area remains a frontier, a quality that greatly enhances Grand Staircase’s value for scientific study and presents unique opportunities for geologists, paleontologists, archaeologists, historians, and biologists.
For History
The Monument is home to countless Native American cultural sites, western pioneer history, and the greatest diversity of dinosaur fossils found anywhere on Earth. Since time immemorial, Native American people have inhabited, crossed, lived on, and been stewards of the lands that make up what we now know as Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
The following Tribes have deep connections to the Grand Staircase-Escalante region:
Science
Expanding knowledge and understanding of the natural wonders, biodiversity, and unique ecosystems with which this landscape is endowed by participating in scientific inquiry and historical investigation, as well as advocating for the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge in land management decision-making.
Conservation
Ensuring Grand Staircase-Escalante’s culture, ecology, history, recreation, and science are recognized, sustained, and enhanced. Work on the ground with organizations, government agencies, and volunteers to repair and restore the Escalante River watershed, as well as prevent and mitigate damage at cultural and ecological sites.
Education
Providing in-person and virtual learning environments in which people can engage with Monument topics, and practice critical thinking, as well as exchange ideas, and learn from one another, thereby fostering the connection and understanding needed to support the Monument’s long term well-being and respect ancestral lands.
For All
Grand Staircase Escalante Partners is committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive environment in our workplace and across the Monument. We recognize the complex and difficult histories that have shaped American public lands, from dispossession of Native lands and forced removal of indigenous communities to create public lands and parks, to the ongoing exclusion of people of color from conservation and preservation movements.
We acknowledge that the area known as Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and its surrounding areas are the ancestral land and historical territory of the Hopi, Zuni, Dine/Navajo, San Juan Southern Paiute, Kaibab Paiute, Ute, Ute Mountain Ute, Jemez Pueblo, and Acoma nations.
We are on a journey to transform our work–to foster diversity through equitable actions that create a just and inclusive environment, within and beyond our organization. Learn more about how we are integrating justice, equity, and inclusion into our work.
Volunteer Opportunities
Join us in the field or online.
Support
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Latest News
Motorcycle Wanderings and Hell’s Backbone
On a never-ending quest to find the most remote places in southern Utah, Dave was drawn to the solitary adventure of Grand Staircase. He is a long-time visitor to the area, often on his trusted BMW motorcycle, and has always loved popping in to Hell’s Backbone Grill...
Inspiration in Grand Staircase
When I needed to get my head right after a failed business, I went to one of my favorite places on earth, Grand Staircase. I set out for six days in the canyons with little more than a sleeping bag and a jar of Justin’s almond butter. I returned with a renewed sense...
First Time Through the Lands that Became the Monument
Imagine a late summer afternoon in Escalante, circa 1973. I and several of my friends were about to start a 10 day backpacking trip, down the Escalante River, from the H12 bridge to Lake Powell, where we would be picked up by a boat from the Bullfrog marina. But step...
Highlights of Our Scoping Comment Goals
As our name "Partners" indicates, we seek to collaborate with organizations, agencies, Tribal partners, scientists, biologists, paleontologists, guides and outfitters, community members and others to determine the best strategies for achieving our mission to honor the...
Op-ed: Utah’s monuments should not be stuck in a tug-of-war
In my role as executive director for Grand Staircase Escalante Partners, I advocate for the importance of Grand Staircase as a connected landscape because of what we stand to lose if we fracture it and do not actively protect what is vulnerable, fragile and...
Statement on House and Senate Companion Bills
Grand Staircase Escalante Partners stands strongly behind the House and Senate companion bills to advance Tribal management of public lands and to improve protection of sacred and cultural sites: The Advancing Tribal Parity on Public Land Act and the Tribal Cultural...
